SSANIP seeks FG’s action on unpaid arrears, infrastructure funds

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has urged both the federal and state governments to address multiple unresolved issues affecting the polytechnic education sector in the country, warning of potential industrial action if concrete steps are not taken. In a communiqué released after its 76th General Executive Council meeting held from May 26 […]

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has urged both the federal and state governments to address multiple unresolved issues affecting the polytechnic education sector in the country, warning of potential industrial action if concrete steps are not taken.

In a communiqué released after its 76th General Executive Council meeting held from May 26 to 29, 2025 in Abuja, the union lamented the failure of authorities to honour prior commitments, particularly those involving financial entitlements and institutional development.

The union expressed strong dissatisfaction with the continued withholding of Needs Assessment Funds for 2023 through 2025.

It said while N150 billion has been reportedly released for universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education have been excluded.

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The government had distributed N15 billion to federal and state polytechnics as part of the 2022 Needs Assessment Fund.

The polytechnics are, however, still grappling with the non-completion of 2022 funds and the non-release of those of 2023, 2024 and 2025.

“Releasing these funds is not merely a request; it is a necessity for safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector,” the communiqué emphasised.

On the funding of state-owned Polytechnics, SSANIP demanded that State Governments urgently review and increase monthly subventions in line with prevailing inflation and rising operational costs.

Similarly, the union condemned the delay in implementing the 25/35% salary review and demanded the immediate release of the 2023 arrears by the federal government.

State governments were also criticised for their lack of compliance in implementing the same wage increase for polytechnic workers.

It decried the federal government’s failure to pay the five-month wage award arrears it had previously promised. The union noted that, despite assurances, the payment had not commenced as of May 28, 2025.

The union also raised alarm over the growing trend of usurpation of non-teaching positions by academic staff in violation of existing Schemes of Service and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) directives. It called for the immediate reinstatement of qualified non-teaching staff into roles like registrar, bursar, and director positions.

The communiqué was signed by SSANIP National President Philip Adebanjo Ogunsipe and National Secretary Shehu Nura Gaya, who stressed that failure to resolve the grievances could trigger nationwide disruptions in the polytechnic system.